[International]
Three-year project announced on International Women’s Day by the Minister of Status of Women, the Honourable Maryam Monsef

Burlington, Ont– Today, IKEA Canada announces plans to join the Gender Equality Leadership Project, a Global Compact Network Canada (GCNC) venture which will establish the vision for workplace gender equality in Canada. The Government of Canada is investing in funding the GCNC for this three-year Gender Equity Leadership Project, the goals of which support the federal government’s people-centred approach as outlined in the 2018 federal budget.

IKEA’s involvement in the project will include input into the establishment of best practices, the creation of a blueprint for gender equality that can be applied by all Canadian companies and a certification methodology. Canadians will benefit by being able to identify companies certified as supportive of gender equality.

“Through the Gender Equality Leadership Project, we feel very privileged to be part of a team that will be responsible for helping to create a new vision and establish a blueprint for what gender equity should look like in Canada,” said IKEA Canada President Marsha Smith.

IKEA strongly believes that equality is a human right and has committed globally to gender equality in all positions, equal opportunities and equal pay by 2020. Equality is interwoven into IKEA’s business approach and HR practices and policies, with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion.

“Gender equality makes good business sense,” said IKEA Canada President Marsha Smith. “Research shows that companies with gender diversity in leadership positions have better financial performance, talent recruitment, retention, and customer loyalty. We are proud that 53 per cent of IKEA Canada managers are women and 55 per cent of our co-workers are women.”

“This project with Global Compact Network recognizes that when we invest in women, we strengthen the economy for everyone. More women on corporate boards translates into a significant competitive advantage for Canadian business. This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate those who act as positive catalysts for change, such as Global Compact Network Canada,” said The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P., Minister of Status of Women.

The Global Compact Network Canada is dedicated to assisting Canadian organizations to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and Principles of the UN Global Compact. IKEA is among the first 10 companies to join the project, with the ambition of creating a Gender Equality blueprint by the end of 2018.